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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 13:42-52

The design of this story being to vindicate the apostles, especially Paul (as he doth himself at large, Rom. 11:1-36), from the reflections of the Jews upon him for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, it is here observed that he proceeded therein with all the caution imaginable, and upon due consideration, of which we have here an instance. I. There were some of the Jews that were so incensed against the preaching of the gospel, not to the Gentiles, but to themselves, that they would not... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 13:42-52

13:42-52 As they were going out, they kept asking that these things should be spoken to them on the next Sabbath. When the synagogue service had broken up many of the Jews and worshipping proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas. They talked with them and tried to persuade them to abide in the grace of God. On the next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of God. When the Jews saw the crowds they were filled with envy and they argued against what Paul said, making... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 13:48

And when the Gentiles heard this ,.... That it was the will of God, and the command of Christ, that the Gospel should be preached to them; by whom are to be understood the Pisidians, the inhabitants of Antioch, who had never been proselytes to the Jewish religion: they were glad ; not that the Jews were likely to have the Gospel taken away from them, and be utterly deprived of it, but that it was to be preached to them: and glorified the word of the Lord ; not the Lord Jesus Christ,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:48

As many as were ordained to eternal life believed - This text has been most pitifully misunderstood. Many suppose that it simply means that those in that assembly who were fore-ordained; or predestinated by God's decree, to eternal life, believed under the influence of that decree. Now, we should be careful to examine what a word means, before we attempt to fix its meaning. Whatever τεταγμενοι may mean, which is the word we translate ordained, it is neither προτεταγμενοι nor ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 13:48

Verse 48 48.And when the Gentiles heard. The matter of the Gentiles’ joy was this, [viz.] when they heard that they were not called to salvation at a sudden, as if this had not been decreed before by God, but that that is now at length fulfilled which was foretold many years before. For doubtless it was small confirmation of their faith, because salvation was promised to them by the coming of Christ, whereby it did also come to pass that they did with more earnest desire and reverence embrace... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:13-52

Paul's missionary discourse at Antioch in Pisidia. We are introduced to one of those synagogue scenes which are of so much interest in connection with the early progress of Christianity. Here the gospel fought its foes and triumphed by the logic of love; here the seeds were sown which sprang up to cover the world with fruit. According to the ordinary practice, the officers of the synagogue invite the strangers to address the congregation. Paul rises. His address falls naturally into parts.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:42-52

The savor of death and of life. We have here a memorable example of the same gospel being a savor of life to some and of death to others, according to the reception given to it in the heart of the hearers. Here was a mixed congregation of Jews and proselytes and Gentiles. They had all the same advantages; they all heard the same gospel at the mouth of the same preacher. Some, when they heard, believed; a hunger sprang up in their souls to hear and to know more of the salvation of God. They... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:42-52

Ministerial success. I. THAT IT IS A REAL MINISTERIAL GAIN TO EXCITE RELIGIOUS INQUIRY . ( Acts 13:42-44 .) It was a considerable success to have called forth the interest of the Gentile audience, so that they begged to hear the same truths stated again ( Acts 13:42 ). It was the beginning of "the grace of God" in their hearts ( Acts 13:43 ); it resulted in the excitement of still more extensive inquiry, so that "the whole city" was agitated and solicitous ( ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:42-52

Jewish jealousy. The result of the preaching of Paul at Antioch was the conversion of many Jews and Gentile proselytes to the Christian faith. To these the exhortation, appropriate to all new converts, was given: " Abide in the grace of God." I. THE GATHERING OF THE MULTITUDE . There is always some reason for the gathering of the crowd. Its fancy is easily excited. It is attracted by the wonderful and the novel. Here it was no mere sensationalism; it was the desire to hear... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 13:42-52

The clash of two worlds in Christ. It may certainly be said that the Jews had long been a world by themselves. In one fashion this had been the ordaining of Heaven itself, though they had wrested the true idea of things to a false. And in matter of fact, the whole of the rest of the earth had been another world. It was but too true now that places were to change, and, while the lofty fell, the lowly were exalted. The climax was scarcely reached as yet chronologically, but the passage of... read more

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